** This post about living in Chicago is sponsored by Zumper. All opinions are my own. It's hard to believe that G and I have lived in the Chicago area for half a decade now. We had no idea what our new adventure would bring when we moved from Arizona to Chicago in 2015, but we are so grateful we took the leap. It's definitely changed our lives. I'm reflecting on some of what I've learned ... Read more
Visiting Brookfield Zoo After Reopening
We haven't done much besides have picnics and go on family walks for the past five months now, so if we find an opportunity to do something fun outside while maintaining a safe distance from others, we will jump at the chance. At the same time, my husband won't have many days off, especially on weekends, for the next few months. That's why we took a random Tuesday off together to have a family day ... Read more
Trying Riche Organics Bath Bombs
The pandemic has severely hit small businesses. Now more than ever it's important to support local and small companies as much as possible. One of the local businesses I've supported recently is Riche Organics, a retailer of organic soaps, candles, bath bombs and other body products, including some with CBD. Riche Organics is located in the Old Orchard Mall (Westfield) shopping center in Skokie, ... Read more
Visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden After Reopening
We've been sticking to the quarantine life despite the reopening of many businesses and activities in the Chicago area. But when the Chicago Botanic Garden announced its reopening this month, we felt comfortable planning a visit. This is because its outdoors and visitors must make a reservations and pick a time slot for entry. While the entry time is reserved, you may obviously stay as long as you ... Read more
Keeping Kids Entertained With WE Events Chicago Craft Kits
Like so many parents, I've been looking for ways to keep my kids entertained and happy during this difficult time. It seems so unfair to them to tell them they can't go to playgrounds, attend swim lessons, play with friends or see family members in person, even though it's necessary. At the same time, I have tried to support local businesses, so I picked up some craft kits from WE Events Chicago ... Read more
Our Visit to Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
Graham and I went on a day date over the weekend for Valentine's Day and my birthday. I have wanted to check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago on Michigan Avenue since it opened in 2019, and it finally seemed like the perfect opportunity. We parked in the Interpark garage at 50 E. Ohio Street, for which Starbucks will validate your parking. The rate is $12 for up to four hours of parking. ... Read more
My First Class at Barry’s Bootcamp in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Last weekend I had a chance to participate in a workout fundraiser at Barry's Bootcamp in Lincoln Park. Nimbe, a blogger I follow on Instagram (@fitfooddreams) who is running the Chicago Marathon as a part of a charity team, was raising funds for Latinos Progresando. I have been enjoying trying new fitness classes lately, so trying Barry's Bootcamp was exciting, and helping a great cause was a ... Read more
Brilliance: The Orchid Show 2020 at Chicago Botanic Garden
* Chicago Botanic Garden hosted our visit to Brilliance: The Orchid Show. All images and opinions are my own. Update: The 2020 Orchid Brilliance show has been canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. When Chicago Botanic Garden invited us to the preview for Brilliance: The Orchid Show, Graham and I were thrilled because we love plants. We decided to make a date night out of it. It may be cold ... Read more
Unique Date Ideas in Chicago
A goal I haven't shared yet for this year is to go on more dates with my husband. We don't regularly schedule date nights, but I'd like to change that. As Valentine's Day approaches it's a good time to figure out plans, whether you're a married couple, longterm partners or just started dating. I'm sharing five experience date ideas in Chicago. Rage Room: I have wanted to do this since seeing a ... Read more
MLK Jr. Day of Service Events in Chicago
I've been compiling Day of Service events in the Chicago area in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Jan. 20 this year. In the past volunteering or giving has been important to me on this day. I hope to be able to find childcare or bring my girls to an event this year. If you live in the Chicago area and are looking for ways to give your time, consider these events. Day of Service ... Read more